10 Things To Do this Weekend: June 8th-10th

They will be celebrating the start of summer in Rockford! You have a couple of choices of where to watch movies this weekend -- along the river or on a ship. We have Baseball and Concerts, along with a Musical. There is a race and an Asian-Pacific Festival. You can help determine who has the best kielbasa in West Michigan, and there are even free bike helmets for the kids.

Some activities include the kids, while others are more for the adults.

This year’s annual Start of Summer Celebration is celebrating its 50th year with another fun-filled event that features plenty of thrills and enjoyment for the entire family. Start of Summer Celebration will feature a parade, carnival rides, food, crafts, music, beer tents, live entertainment and family fun. Fireworks are Saturday night.

Movies on Monroe, formerly Movies in the Park, is the premier outdoor film series in Grand Rapids. Films will be shown, free of charge, on a giant video wall along the banks of the Grand River every other Friday from June thru August. Guests are invited to treat the evening like a picnic and bring your own blanket, chairs, beer, wine and snacks for a special night under the stars. Gates open at 6:00 pm, Pre-movie entertainment begins at 6:30 pm. The first film starts at 7: 30 pm followed by an additional feature shortly after the first ends. This week’s movies are “The Greatest Showman” (rated PG), and “Big” (rated PG). (Look for Jojo's Fish!)

The West Michigan Whitecaps take on the South Bend Cubs this weekend. On Friday, it will be Princess Night and a FANomenal Friday along with Family Fare Fireworks! There are two games on Saturday. The game at 1:05 is a makeup game that was postponed on April 6th. There will also be fireworks after the game on Saturday. On Sunday, it will be Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Family Day

First 1,000 kids eat free! Fans can get autographs and play catch on the field before the game from 1:15-1:30 pm. Kids Run the Bases after the game presented by Milk Means More.

It is well known that the B-52s are The World’s Greatest Party Band. And nearly forty years and over twenty million albums into their career, there can be no doubt as to why they remain one of rock music’s most beloved and enduring bands. Any mystery concerning the band’s longevity and ongoing appeal is immediately solved when exposed to a B-52s concert experience.

One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, “The King and I” boasts a score that features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.” Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award® for Best Musical Revival.

Now in its 12th year, the films are shown on LST 393’s huge screen on the top deck starting right after sunset, around 10 pm. There is no charge to attend “Movies on Deck” screenings, although donations to help support the ship’s restoration and veterans museum are always welcome. Moviegoers should bring their own chairs and weather-appropriate clothing; popcorn, soda and snacks are available for sale. (Inclement weather will mean a move down inside the giant tank deck of the ship for an indoor showing. If moved inside, the movie will start at 10 pm.)

At 8:30 am it is the 5k race. They also have a mobility 5k, 1000 meter Steeplechase and Jr. Jog. The course is flat and very fast. There will be 6 bands out on the course. There is $9,000 in prize money, a pasta dinner the night before, post race gathering and so much more!

The second annual Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival 2018 will showcase the rich cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The numerous cultural demonstrations, performances, and vendors will provide a fun and engaging time for the entire family. Food vendors will delight and offer dishes from many Asian countries. Learn about the languages, arts, and traditional attires. Come see the Lion dances, martial art demonstrations, fashion show, traditional and modern performances – such as Naruto singers from New York. This year, they are featuring a Luau hour, India Immersion hour, and an appearance by THREE SUMO Champions- including the 600lb Japanese Yama, Byamba, and Takeshi. There will also be a beer tent selling local and Asian beer.

It’s the Annual Kielbasa Idol. Who has the best kielbasa in West Michigan? The party starts at 4 pm. Kielbasa tasting and voting begins at 6:15. There will be music indoors and outdoors. You don’t want to miss this policious (Polish-delicious) event!